José Rivas Refuge + Quilotoa Lagoon + Andean Culture

Minimum: 2 passengers
Duration: Full day (approximately 12 hours)
Schedule: Advance reservation required
Departure Time: 8:00 a.m.
Estimated Return Time: 8:00 p.m.
Tour Type: Private Tour
Location: Cotopaxi National Park and Quilotoa Lagoon – Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador

Maximum Altitude:

• José Rivas Refuge – Cotopaxi Volcano: 4,864 m (15,958 ft) above sea level.
• Quilotoa Lagoon: 3,914 m (12,841 ft) above sea level.

Difficulty Level:

Moderate – Hiking at high altitude. A good physical condition and previous acclimatization to altitude are recommended.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Hotel Pickup and Departure from Baños de Agua Santa or Quito

Our adventure begins with pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Baños de Agua Santa at 8:00 a.m.

We will start our journey by private transportation towards Cotopaxi Province, traveling through the spectacular Avenue of the Volcanoes, one of Ecuador's most scenic routes.

During the journey, you will enjoy views of:

• Andean communities.
• Mountains and volcanoes.
• Traditional agricultural fields.
• Unique landscapes of the Ecuadorian Highlands.

FIRST PART: COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK

José Rivas Refuge – Cotopaxi Volcano

Arrival at Cotopaxi National Park

We will enter Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador's most important natural areas.

At the entrance, we will complete the required registration process, and our guide will provide information about:

• The history and formation of Cotopaxi Volcano.
• The Andean páramo ecosystem.
• Local flora and fauna.
• Recommendations for hiking at high altitude.

The park is home to species such as:

• Andean condor.
• Páramo fox.
• Deer.
• High-altitude bird species.

Limpiopungo Lagoon (Scenic Stop)

We will make a stop at the beautiful Limpiopungo Lagoon, located at approximately 3,800 meters (12,467 ft) above sea level.

From this viewpoint, you will enjoy spectacular views of Cotopaxi Volcano, especially on clear days when the snow-covered summit is reflected in the waters of the lagoon.

You will have time for:

• Photography.
• A short walk around the lagoon.
• Birdwatching.
• Enjoying the páramo landscape.

Hike to José Rivas Refuge

We will continue by vehicle to the parking area located at approximately 4,600 meters (15,092 ft) above sea level.

From here, we begin the hike to the historic José Rivas Refuge, located at:

4,864 meters (15,958 ft) above sea level.

Hiking Information:

• Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Terrain: Volcanic, sandy, and uphill.
• Difficulty: Moderate due to altitude.

During the hike, you will enjoy:

• Volcanic landscapes.
• Views of Cotopaxi glaciers.
• Panoramic views of the Andes.
• A unique high-mountain experience.

Visit to José Rivas Refuge

Upon reaching the refuge, you will have time to:

• Rest.
• Take photographs.
• Enjoy the surrounding landscapes.
• Admire the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano.

The refuge is a historic location used by mountaineers preparing for expeditions to the summit of Cotopaxi.

Descent and Departure from Cotopaxi National Park

We will return to the parking area and continue our journey towards the next destination: the impressive Quilotoa Lagoon.

SECOND PART: QUILOTOA LAGOON

Arrival at Quilotoa Lagoon

We will arrive at one of Ecuador's most spectacular natural attractions:

Quilotoa Lagoon, a volcanic crater filled with stunning turquoise waters located at nearly 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level.

From the main viewpoint, you will enjoy:

• Panoramic views of the lagoon.
• Incredible photography opportunities.
• Unique Andean landscapes.
• Mountains and indigenous communities surrounding the crater.

Optional Hike Down to the Lagoon

Travelers who wish may hike down to the shores of the lagoon.

Hiking Time:

• Descent: Approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
• Return climb: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

During your visit, you can:

• Walk along the lagoon shore.
• Take photographs.
• Relax next to the water.
• Enjoy kayaking (optional, not included).

Additional option: For the return climb, mule rental is available at an additional cost.

Andean Lunch

We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Quilotoa or Zumbahua.

You will have the opportunity to taste traditional dishes from the Ecuadorian Andes.

Lunch included.

Return to Baños de Agua Santa or Quito

After a day full of nature, adventure, and culture, we will begin the return journey to Baños de Agua Santa.

During the drive back, you can relax while enjoying the beautiful Andean landscapes once again.

Estimated arrival time: 8:00 p.m.

END OF THE TOUR